Clermont basking in glory after beating Perpignan to win the Top 14

Clermont Auvergne supporters have been celebrating their famous win since the final whistle blew on Saturday night as they won the Top 14 title on their 11th attempt when they beat Perpignan 19-6 at the Stade de France.

Known as perennial chokers, Clermont finally came good on all their promise as a repeat of last seasons final ended the other way around, with the club from central France repaying the faith of their supporters eventually.

Clermonts kiwi coach Vern Cotter was visibly emotional at fulltime as his side finally got it right. "A good night! The players deserve that," he said afterwards.

Captain Aurelien Rougerie, who got stuck in all game, said they were extremely happy with themselves after all the hard work that has gone into the campaign.

"This squad really has a soul, a character. I'm very happy for us, this squad and obviously all the people who waited so long for this."

The only try on the night was scored by powerful winger Napolioni Nalaga, in somewhat of a different fashion to what were used to seeing from him. He hasnt had things go all his way on the wing of late though, so his effort from close to the line showed his value around the park.

Morgan Parra kicked the conversion, as well as three penalties, while Anthony Floch slotted a neatly taken dropgoal. Things may have been different if Perpignan fullback Jerome Porical had kicked better, but he missed four of his shots at goal.

This video shows the try, as well as one or two other moments from the game.


Time: 06:38

Posted at 7:12 pm | 35 comments

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